WASHINGTON — Lawmakers have complained that many of the regulations on the G.I. Bill are too cumbersome, and red tape is making it hard for vets to access the benefits that they've earned.
Now, they're considering more than a dozen improvements.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original G.I. Bill into law in 1944.
The landmark legislation represented a promise to all who fought for our country that their sacrifice would be rewarded with a range of benefits, including education assistance.
The Congressional Budget Office reported that in Fiscal Year 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that over 800,000 vets received $10.2 billion dollars in GI Bill benefits.
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity took up 13 bills on GI Bill improvements and better employment opportunities for veterans this week.
"As a veteran who served our nation for 26 years, I know how important the G.I. Bill is for opening up doors for transitioning service members and veterans across the ranks," said Rep. Derrick Van Orden, (R-Wisconsin).
Several of the proposals seek to improve the education experience for America's veterans and make it easier for veterans to receive accurate information about their options for using their G.I. Bill benefits and ensure that they get the best bang for their buck with the G.I. Bill.
"We want to allow our veterans to make the most informed decision they can, so they attend the institution that's the best fit for them," said Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia, 2nd District).
The VA was generally supportive of the proposals.
"As always, VA is open to collaboration with you and the committee to ensure we are providing world class benefits that our veterans have earned and deserve," said Joseph Garcia, Executive Director for Education Service at the Veterans Benefits Administration.
The changes could be costly. Garcia said increasing the housing allowance for GI Bill students could cost taxpayers $3.5 billion over ten years.